Lipstick Voodoo takes place about two weeks after the events in The Voodoo Killings. This time around Kincaid is working a lipstick séance (a term coined by voodoo practitioners referring to seances where no really wants to hear what the ghost/ zombie has to say. In this case, it’s a family fighting over a will of a cheating husband. Kincaid is working gigs like this because she lost her job with the Seattle police department, thanks to the new chief who doesn’t believe in the paranormal.

Aaron, Kincaid’s ex-boyfriend is a cop and works under the chief. He has tried to help her out as much as he is willing to without losing his own job. He contacts her in hopes she will help him with a cold case from the 1990s. This case happens to have a connection to Kincaid’s ghost buddy, Nate.

Nate was a 90’s grunge rocker who died around ‘95-’96. He also knows the victim in the cold case, but he and Kincaid already have their hands full with a problem from the end of The Voodoo Killings (won’t say more so as not to spoil you). This issue, plus the cold case is the major storyline for Lipstick Voodoo.

Kristi Charish has done a great job building a world surrounded by paranormal creatures like ghouls, ghosts, zombies, Jinn, poltergeist, and wraiths. They are all part of the Otherside. The mystical world that allows people to become these creatures after they die. While the rules are not completely clear, yet. We get more info in the second installment and it seems more will be forthcoming with each book in the Kincaid Strange series.

Like similar series such as Charley Davidson and White Trash Zombie series, the Kincaid Strange series deals with mystery cases in each book with an overall story arc coming from book to book. I wouldn’t say each book ends on a cliffhanger, but Charish knows how to keep readers intrigued with a teaser for the next big thing in the overall plotline at the end of each novel.

This review will appear on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/

Kincaid Strange is back in this dark and adventurous follow up to “The Voodoo Killings”.

Since this is the second in the series, there are spoilers for the first book in this review!

Synopsis:
Voodoo practitioner Kincaid Strange is invited by her ex-boyfriend, a cop, to consult on a cold case that might have been a paranormal murder.  The case is connected to her roommate, Nathan Cade, who just so happens to be the ghost of a 90s grunge music star.  Kincaid must also navigate a new relationship with her new mentor, the ghost of a sorcerer who used nefarious means to coerce her into becoming his apprentice. Everyone has their secrets, and who can Kincaid trust?

World-Building
This book is captivating from its very first page. I absolutely adore the detailed world that Charish has created.  It's similar to real-life Seattle, but very dark and swarming with ghosts, zombies, ghouls, and other mysterious creatures from the Otherside.  The amount of detail that Charish has put into this world is praiseworthy. As a health sciences librarian, I almost died from excitement when she mentioned “PubDead”, the paranormal version of PubMed. Let’s be friends, Kristi.

A major part of the world-building is the scientific way that Otherside works in this series.  Discussions of binding ghosts and setting mirrors all has a very matter-of-fact tone, with detailed nuances.  Some pages read like a paranormal textbook, but with a little more sass, since it’s all coming from Kincaid’s point of view.

Plot
There are several plot lines in this story that are seamlessly interwoven.  I love how Charish blended effortlessly from one to the other, and they’re so interconnected it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends. Excellent storytelling.

Characters
Side characters in this book are well-developed. Gideon, the mysterious ghost of a sorcerer, is quite intriguing, and this book gives us just enough information about his past to keep him an enigma and leaving me wanting more, but I have a better sense of who he is now.  Since Nate is a ghost, he isn’t expected to grow as a person, which is something Kincaid comments on in the book. However, I noticed that he had a little development of his own, which I won’t reveal here, because it’s a spoiler!

I did find the character development for her love interest, Aaron, to be lacking. It seems like Kincaid makes a revelation about their relationship (or lack thereof) during the latter half of the book, but it isn’t quite addressed fully enough for my liking before the final pages. I suppose I’ll have to wait for the next book for this.  

I recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in a dark fantasy with a badass female lead.  It has a very detailed world, but it's not presented in a monotonous way.  It’s very similar in feel to Kim Harrison’s Hollows book series.

I am becoming a fan of this author, and this second book in the Kincaid Strange series is one of the reasons why. I really like the main character Kincaid, and I am fond of Nate; they make an interesting team, and this book strengthens their friendship bond. Now, I have to admit that Gideon is probably becoming my favorite character. He’s an anti-hero, and I can’t wait to find out more about him. I do admit I liked him in the first book even if I don’t think he was supposed to be likable in the first book. He seems to be the strongest character in the book, and I hope he makes Kincaid stronger; she really needs it. I hate that she just seems so alone, and no one really seems to have her back besides Nate. This book is well-written, has great characters, and a very interesting plot. I am looking forward to reading more in this series. I do recommend this book and series! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.

Lipstick Voodoo is book 2 in the Kincaid Strange series. This series is so unique and worth a read if you're a fan of the Urban Fantasy genre. Our leading lady sees ghosts and raises zombies for her clients, oh and gets into tons of trouble. It makes for an interesting read to say the least.

Kincaid Strange returns and she's dealing with the ramifications from the previous book. Her friend that is a ghost happens to be inhabiting a body and she can't figure out how to unbind him. He'll wind up dead if she can't get him out. And if the sorcerer finds out that's what happened to the body he wanted he'll be livid and they both might wind up dead. The main things Kincaid has to solve this time around is that someone killed a man and his body is frozen solid. When Kincaid checks out the scene she sees something unsettling, and has to puzzle out Otherside being morphed into something that it shouldn't be able to. We're learning right along with Kincaid and hoping she can figure it all out before the time runs out.

Lipstick Voodoo is a great read you won't be able to put down. I'm loving the series so far and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Kincaid is a unique character and the book isn't like anything else I've read before. There's quite a bit of paranormal mixed into the story so if you're a fan of Urban Fantasy with lots of paranormal beings, don't pass this book up.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this arc.

The blurb sounds like this would be a great read for me. I see where lots of others have really enjoyed this. Must just be me... I had a tough time with this one. Part of the problem might be that I haven't read the first book in this series. While it started off interesting and fun, it quickly devolved for me.... too many unfamiliar characters with unfamiliar backstories came at me too fast. I plugged on, but just never was able to connect with any of them. I found the pacing to be kind of stop and go (too many time outs for some more meaningless dialog). I gave up around the 60% mark.

Quite a few things come together making Lipstick Voodoo by Kristi Charish a fun, must read novel: paranormal elements, nineties Seattle grunge scene (keep in mind the story takes place in this decade), an original storyline and characters with a flare lead the reader into a fast paced novel with mystery, cunning and humor. FYI, I didn’t read the first book in this series and don’t feel it is necessary to read it before this one.
Kincaid Strange is a voodoo practitioner. Recently released from the Seattle PD, she performs Lipstick Séances to pay her bills. Let me tell you, I love the idea of a lipstick séance. Kincaid’s role in this profession is to find and bring back the dead in order to glean important information that was not shared before death (such as where is your money and has this will been tampered with). Kincaid is smart, loyal, and funny. Her sarcastic wit and bravery get her into quite a bit of trouble, but she proves to be resilient and capable.
Kincaid’s best friend, Nate Cade, is a ghost who recently stole the body of a zombie. Nate was a popular musician in the 90’s, famous on the Seattle scene during the grunge era. Not quite at the top of his game he made a “deal with the devil” and is paying for this decision as his friends return from his past.
This book leaves the reader in a good place. Not quite “Oh, crap, what just happened!” Instead, “Hmm, I want to read more with these characters.” I’m looking forward to meeting them again soon. I’m also excited to learn more about Gideon, the dark sorcerer that Kincaid has sold her soul to in order to delve more deeply into the Otherside. I like the good versus evil vibe that he brings to the story.
4.5/5 stars

No sophomore slump here. Thoroughly enjoyed the second installment of this superb new urban fantasy series.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Lipstick Voodoo (The Kincaid Strange Series, Book Two) by Kristi Charish from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Vintage Canada in order to read and give an honest review.

I am a huge fan of Kristi Charish so was thrilled to get to review the second in her Kincaid Strange Series. I really enjoy this series, it’s fun fast-paced mysteries with an urban fantasy/paranormal twist and plenty of dark humour.    

Paranormal practitioner, Kincaid Strange, is on the case again. Lipstick Voodoo picks up where The Voodoo Killings leaves off with Kincaid trying to deal with the aftermath. She is trying to help her roommate ex Grunge Rockstar Nathan Cade after his spirit was entrapped in another body which was meant for Gideon, a powerful sorcerer's spirit. A furious Gideon blames Kincaid and forces her work for him as his apprentice until the debt is paid off. She is desperately trying to hide Nathan before Gideon finds out and god knows what, but it becomes increasingly difficult when the body begins falling apart.  Things get really “Strange” when Kincaid’s ex-lover and police detective, Aaron, asks for her help on a cold case investigation that links the murder of an old bandmate of Nate’s to a new murder of another bandmate who is found supernaturally frozen solid. Add into the mix a police chief intent on destroying Kincaid (and all paranormal practitioners and you’ve got a story that keeps you flipping the pages.
I enjoyed watching the character development throughout the book and the intricately detailed magic system Charish is so brilliant at creating. I also find I’m actually enjoying Gideon’s character and can’t wait to see what Charish has planned for him throughout the series.  

All in all a fabulous fun read I can't wait until the next one comes out, I would definitely recommend!

Many Thanks to Net-Galley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy. This did not affect my rating.

*4/5*

The Voodoo Killings was one of my favourite books of 2016. I devoured it. I pushed it on my friends. I waited and wished and hoped for a sequel. It was such a unique concept. Voodoo practitioners who can raise zombies, and summon ghosts.

Kincaid Strange is the last voodoo practitioner in Seattle - she has an ex-boyfriend, Aaron, who is a cop and is trying to help Kincaid get back to work with the Seattle police. Her best friend, Nathan Cade, is a ghost. He was a grunge musician in the 90's. Their relationship is still as hilarious in this book, as it was in the first.

This book directly follows The Voodoo Killings, with Kincaid trying to figure out how to unbind Nate from the dead body he mysteriously and mistakenly got bound to. Along with that, Aaron has called upon Kincaid to look at a cold case that has ties to Nate. She also must work with Gideon, a sorcerer's ghost who has a temper.

I love this series so much. I just love how unique it is. I love the underground world of the dead.. We learn a lot about a new type of afterlife. I love that it's set in Seattle. I love the characters, and I want more.

Kristi Charish is such a sweetheart of an author. She is Canadian, and The Voodoo Killings was repackaged in the summer of 2018 to appeal to new fans across the border in the States. I hope that she was reached may many new fans.

There were a few parts that seemed to drag on a little bit for my taste, but it was still a chaotic, rollicking good time.

This is book two in the series and it was just as fun and strange as before. Kincaid Strange's world is fantastical and paranormal and has you guessing throughout the book to the end. If you like a fun mystery this is one that is right up your alley.

Charish creates a new world of witchcraft, demons and zombies. Lipstick Voodoo lays out a rich environment with many levels of subculture and well developed characters. I love that the heroine is not perfect and stumbles her way through her challenges. My only complaint is that this is book 2 in a series, and I did not know that before I started the book. The groundwork must be set in book 1, and I really had to guess my way through some character relationships and practitioner tools and tricks. This book starts after a spell that went wrong - I'm sure it was described in book one. I'm certain that I would have been drawn in immediately upon starting the first book in the series, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book as a stand-alone and would recommend it!

Lipstick Voodoo is the second novel in the Kincaid Strange series by Kristi Charish. This novel is set a couple weeks after the events of her first book, The Voodoo Killings. This series follows Kincaid Strange, a voodoo practitioner and her roommate Nathan Cade, the ghost of a grunge-rock star.

I read The Voodoo Killings when it was released in 2016, but to be honest I didn’t remember anything about it. That being said, I knew that I had enjoyed it enough for me to be interested in reading the newest book in the series. Unfortunately, Charish gave very few reminders of what had taken place in the first book. I understand it is difficult- the author doesn’t want to give away to much from the book, but I was so confused trying to follow all the characters and the plot, especially because this novel took place immediately after the events and the main characters were still dealing with the fall out. I wish she would have just given some small reminders as to who various characters were and how they were related to Kincaid.

Though the story was entertaining enough, I found the plot to be confusing at times. Also, I found myself skimming over parts, which is unusual for me. Some of the conversations Kincaid had were very long-winded. I will likely still read the next installment, as my curiosity was peaked just enough in the final chapters, that I would like to know what happens next.

From the very beginning we are thrown into Kincaid’s chaotic life and while she never gets to take a breather or to sleep, neither does the reader. The action is non-stop and every stage ends in a mini cliff-hanger so I felt compelled to keep reading until I dropped my e-reader on my head (for real) because I just couldn’t stay up any longer. This is a seriously suspenseful and fast paced story and there is no intermission or downtime. It is running from one disaster to the next the entire book. It also throws you right into the story which heavily relies on events in “The Voodoo Killings.” There is no time to catch up with what happened in the previous book in the series so you might want to re-read before starting this one.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and could not be happier to be in this world again. It is so intricately imagined and detailed that it feels like it might actually be real. The magic system is so unique that I am constantly being surprised by which “monsters” show up next. In this book, even Kincaid is surprised! The recurring characters are a true joy and their banter and bickering always makes me smile, and often cringe. There is a lot of dark humour in this story and although the situations are dire and possibly catastrophic, it is not at all depressing. This is a super fun series and I am dying (not literally) for more undead hijinks!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Vintage Canada for providing an Electronic Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley for review.

Set in a Seattle that is filled with zombies, ghouls, poltergeists and ghosts, my introduction to this urban fantasy series was a dive in the deep end, intriguing with a dash of information added to try and keep me current. Kincaid Strange seems to fit into this world fairly easily, being a voodoo practitioner with a part-time gig assisting the police. Interesting enough to keep me intrigued, curious about the Seattle setting rather than New Orleans, but hey, it’s the author’s world to create – I’m only meant to enjoy the ride and the quirks presented. Kincaid is an intriguing sort – a bit offbeat and quirky with a best ‘ghost’ friend, and she’s not always happy with ‘humans’ around her. Not quite socially awkward, but gaffes enough to keep her at the fringes of that label, I found her intriguing enough to want to know how she worked and what she was capable of.

In this book, she’s forced to find other ways to pay the bills as Captain Marks (he who signs off on her being paid) isn’t inclined to have her consult any more, but she’s also got worries for her bestie, Nate – and find a way to release him from a body that is rotting around him, and al keys seem to lead to Gideon, a sorcerer who may or may not be inclined to help, but at a price. When Kincaid’s ex comes to her with a cold case that is tied tangentially to Nate, and involves a former band-mate caught up in a group of cold cases from the mid-90’s. OK – so we’ve got two different mysteries to solve, a friend to help, a former boss who may or may not be interested in what she has to say and the ‘underground’ that may hold the keys to put it all together.

I’d have to say that I found this story intriguing and a bit different from the norm, if not quite falling into my “I have to know more, now” pile. Charish managed to keep my interest, give me some background information to keep me current, and have me wondering just what Kincaid is planning for the long-term and her plans to keep Seattle as her home. All indicators point to a third in the series, one that I’m sure to look out for after I catch all up with the first book from the series.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”https://wp.me/p3OmRo-ade/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Kincaid Strange is a Voodoo practitioner and necromancer. She worked on the police force and has been fired. She helps her on again/off again boyfriend, Aaron who is a detective on the paranormal police division. She has a best friend who is dead. And she is indebted to a thousand year old ghost of a sorcerer. She has her hands full! This well thought out book is full of intrigue and mystery.

I read Lipstick Voodoo over a weekend. I found it fun, fanciful and quite original. Charish does a great job pulling the reader into Kincaid Strange's world. I really enjoyed that this is both paranormal in nature but has a fabulous mystery that keeps you guessing almost till the very end.

I received this ARC copy of Lipstick Voodoo from Penguin Random House Canada - Vintage Canada. This is my honest and voluntary review. Lipstick Voodoo is set for publication Jan. 08, 2019.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Kristi Charish
Series: Kincaid Strange Series, The
Sequence in Series: Book 2
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Vintage Canada
Publication Date: January 8, 2019
ISBN-10: 0345815904
ISBN-13: 978-0345815903
Genre: Paranormal Mystery

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lipstick-Voodo...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lips...

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I loved the twisted Otherside, the undead city below Seattle and watching Kincaid investigate. I have a feeling we are just witnessing the beginnings of what Strange is capable of and the ending set up the next book leaving longing for its release. A full review to post at Caffeinated Reviewer on January 7th. It will be shared on all social media, Goodreads and Amazon.

Lipstick Voodoo, by author Kristi Charish, is the second installment in the authors Kincaid Strange series. The story picks up shortly after the events of The Voodoo Killings. Kincaid is a kick-ass heroine who appeals to fans of Elena Michaels and Sookie Stackhouse. Lipstick Voodoo spends more time in the living world than The Voodoo Killings and captures the ’90s grunge vibe of Seattle, with forays into the beautifully crafted Underground City, the paranormal hub run by the mysterious Lee, who just happens to be the cities oldest living zombie.

As the story picks up, Kincaid has taken what was supposed to be an easy job, which ends up being a Lipstick seance. (Term refers to a seance where no one really wants to hear what the ghost, or zombie has to say.) Fortunately, Kincaid is the most experienced voodoo practitioner in the State of Washington, but that only goes so far when it come to getting the respect she deserves. Especially from Captain Marks of the Seattle Police who she just doesn't see eye to eye with, and who put a moratorium on her consulting contract with the department.

Kristi gives us a backstory for Kincaid’s charming sidekick, Nate, who appears in the first book as well as this one. If you have forgotten, Nathan Cade is a former grunge singer whose life ended way too soon. Nate, however, has other issues. The issue is that Kincaid must now find way to release Nate from his current body that was supposed to be for a very powerful sorcerer named Gideon Lawrence. A body that is slowly deteriorating. If that weren't enough, Kincaid made a deal with said sorcerer, and said sorcerer has come to collect on her promise to him.

But, the underlying story really begins when her former Ex and current Seattle PD Detective Aaron Beal asks her to help with a cold case. Back in 1995, it appears that a rash of unexplained deaths went unsolved. The family claims that Damian didn't use drugs, so, he wouldn't have killed himself. Kincaid finds herself deep in a mystery when all roads points back to Nate's former band mate, and lover. So, between finding out who is responsible for the strange deaths, and helping Nate find a way out of his circumstances, she must also face off with Gideon, who seems to be sending all sorts of messages to Kincaid.

Kincaid's version of Seattle is one that is filled zombies, ghouls, ghosts, and poltergeists. There is even an underground city where zombies go to get drinks to sustain them. This is the same underground run by Lee Ling who Kincaid seeks out when she doesn't have the answers she needs to put the solution together. Since the first book, Kincaid and Gideon's relationship has been a bit on the twisted side. Will he kill her for what happened in the first book, or will he end up being her teacher since her former mentor is now gone?

The publisher stated that there's a third novel in the works, so, we haven’t seen the last of Kincaid Strange yet…Good thing to since the ending leaves readers with all sorts of feelings!

A super-enjoyable series. This author writes very well. Her characters are interesting. Her plots keep the reader entertained and the plotting is well-paced. Ms Charish builds a nicely complex world. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Kincaid Strange is back in another installment of the Paranormal series that will have readers flipping pages trying to figure out what is next.